St. Timothy's AM Church Library

In Praise of Churches...

2011-12-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

from the Advent 2011 newsletter

While I was browsing the web, one day, I came across a wonderful blog written by a local "Church Lady", Suzanne Wilson, who has compiled a history of churches in North America, Monaco and the Vatican. Her concise, but thoroughly researched blog is called, "Churches on Sundays". A blessing for us all. http://www.churchesonsundays.blogspot.com/

Our Library also has some very good books on churches, and Church, history. There have been more than a few of these books donated by various church members. Here is just a small selection of what you can find on our Library shelf:
Pacific Pilgrims, by Lyndon Grove (1979): A 120 history of the Anglican Church in BC and its "pilgrims".
In Praise of Churches, by John Betjeman and Paul Hogarth (1996): A wonderfully illustrated guide and evocation of the church and church life -- High and Low, Matins, Evensong, etc.
The English Parish Church, by Gerald Randall (1988): A summary of the evolution of parish churches in England, from Pre-Gothic to the present day.
Cathedrals and Abbeys of England, by the Very Reverend Stephen Platten, Dean of Norwich (1999): A guide to over 60 of England's most visited cathedrals and abbeys.

These books, and more, along with Suzanne Wilson's blog would make for excellent Christmas reading, with plenty of pictures to enjoy.

I love thy Church, O God!
Her walls before thee stand.
Dear as the apple of thine eye,
And graven on thy hand.
Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

~from the hymn, "I Love Thy Kingdom Lord" by Timothy Dwight, 1752-1817

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year 2012.

~submitted by M.C.

Library News

2011-09-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

from the Fall 2011 newsletter

St. Timothy's Church Library will be open the Sunday, September 25th, after a couple summer months of renovations at Sutherland Church. Every year I have an "amnesty" on long over-due books. If you have any books that were borrowed prior to June please return them soon! More new books have been added to the growing church library collection. Check them out!

During the summer I read a "life-changing" book by A.W.Tozer, "The Pursuit of God". This book was written by Tozer in 1948, and is said to be one of his best writings. You could almost say that this book was written by Tozer while on his knees in worship before God. It is timeless. Aiden Wilson Tozer (April 21, 1897 - May 12, 1963) was an American pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

Here is an online link to Tozer's classic book that can be read online, or printed on a printer, which ever you prefer. I believe every member of St. Timothy's should read this book at least once in their lifetime. It could prove life-changing for you, also:
http://www.ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Tozer_Pursuit_of_God.pdf

"Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God."~A.W. Tozer

Blessed reading!

~M.C.

Film Ministry News

2011-09-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

from the Fall 2011 newsletter

The Film Ministry at St Timothy’s continues to be well utilized. Films are usually available each Sunday after the service. Many are borrowed each Sunday and as new ones are added more interest is generated. Each year I hope to add at least new 10 new films. Films for the ministry are chosen using the following criteria:

Connection or disconnection with the Gospel
Engaging with others, to communicate God’s love and hope in non-threatening ways
Remembering always that God has been and will continue to be there in the culture and in the people with whom we engage, working in the most surprising ways to transform his good yet tarnished creation

I have recently placed an order for a PBS Documentary titled: “The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce”. The Better Hour is the story of Wilberforce who, inspired by faith, used his political and social influence to change the world for the better. At the beginning of the 19th century, almost a third of the British economy depended on the trade of human beings. William Wilberforce was determined to end this horrific practice, by persuading both Parliament and British society to abolish slavery in the British Empire.

~P.Y.

Book Review: "What Good is God?

2011-04-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

from the Lent 2011 newsletter

While searching through the books at my local library on religion and faith, I recently came across a newly published book by well-respected author, Philip Yancey, "What Good is God? - In Search of a Faith That Matters".

I enjoy Philip's books as I find that they are usually a fairly "easy" read and they attempt to answer questions that I often have about my own personal faith struggles.

To quote the book cover, "What good is a God in a world where terrorists attack tourist sites in Mumbai, where women and children are sold into slavery, where a gunman kills 32 students and staff on a college campus, an where six million people in South Africa alone suffer with HIV/AIDS." Each chapter of the book introduces this question in light of different situations and places around the world where Philip is visiting and then Philip includes the "speech" that he delivered while he was visiting in this area.

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the church in China and in the Middle East. Consider reading this book, it will provide some answers to your questions and it will give you lots of "food for thought".

"'What good is God?' is an open question whole answer God has invested in us his followers. We are the ones called to demonstrate a faith that matters to a watching world." - Philip Yancey

Submitted by P.Y., our Film Ministry Librarian

UPDATE:
This book, given by donation, is now available to borrow from the Church Library

More updates! God at the Movies...

2011-04-25T13:25:00.001-07:00

Catching up on this Holy Easter weekend to update the Church Library blog:
from the Lent 2011 newsletter

Acts 17: ²²So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. ²³For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, ²⁵nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. ²⁶And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, ²⁷that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, ²⁸for 'In him we live and move and have our being';as even some of your own poets have said,'For we are indeed his offspring.'"

I was recently given an interesting article to read from "The Anglican Planet" on film and faith titled "Meeting God at the Movies."
http://www.anglicanplanet.net/canadian-news/2010/11/3/film-faith-meeting-god-at-the-movies.html
The authors, Steve Page and Julie Golding Page, (Priests-in-Charge of Mission of Hudson Bay and Arborfield in Saskatchewan), suggest that Paul's stirring evangelistic speech to the Athenians (Acts 17 - see quote above) reveals how their own culture, through the thoughts of their poets and their buildings to an unknown God actually anticipates a relationship with God. Paul also sensitively and clearly points our linkages with God's love and desire for these people to know Him. From this premise the authors propose that film is one way contemporary Christians can follow in Paul's footsteps. "To do so is not to accept the greater culture wholesale, nor to reject it wholesale". Instead they suggest a different approach. To look at film as a cultural artifact and evaluate the film for the following:

Connection or disconnection with the Gospel
Engaging with others, to communicate God's love and hope in non-threatening ways
Remembering always that God has been and will continue to be there in the culture and in the people with whom we engage, working in the most surprising ways to transform his goo yet tarnished creation

UPDATE: The following films have recently been added to the collection. They are actually all fairly old films, but as the saying goes, "they are oldies but goldies".

Chocolat (2000) A woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community.

Chariots of Fire (1981) The story of two British track athletes, one a determined Jew, and the other a devout Christian who compete in the 1924 Olympics. This DVD includes a second DVD with some phenomenal special features.

Grand Canyon (1991) The story revolves around six residents from different backgrounds whose lives intertwine in modern day Los Angeles.

Films of Faith

2011-04-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

from the Advent 2010 newsletter

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:44

“To look at art by people of different experiences – whether cultural, religious, economic, or otherwise – is a way of stepping outside of what is comfortable and familiar in order to become more compassionate. It cultivates understanding, and thus sympathy, with people who are different than us. This is an especially powerful endeavor if we are willing to consider how our enemies experience the world – what a giant step it takes us toward loving them as Christ requires” [1]

One of the purposes of the Film Ministry at St Timothy’s is to do just this. To have films available to watch which allow us to enter into the experiences of people different then us, sometimes radically different then us. This is not easy. It is difficult, sometimes very difficult and often it is almost easier just to say, “I don’t want to know. I don’t need to know” but Jesus calls us to love them and to do this we need to try and understand where they are coming from and what they have experienced. Films can allow us this experience. Good films are authentic and enlightening and have a “Christlike perspective” which is concerned with more than justice. To love one’s enemy is to consider and care what happens to him.[2]

I have some new films in the Ministry.

The first one is titled, “Faith Like Potatoes”. This is a film produced by Affirm Films, a division of Sony this is a motion picture label launched in 2008 to release gospel and Christian films. Based on the novel Faith Like Potatoes, this inspiring film tells the story of Angus Buchan, a South African farmer who suffers a series of seemingly insurmountable losses, but through an unlikely friendship with his Zulu farmhand and divine interventions, discovers the key to healing himself and learning to accept others lies in his unwavering belief in the power of faith. This powerful DVD includes a gripping 54 minute documentary on the real life Angus Buchan, the making of Faith Like Potatoes, director and cast commentary, deleted scenes and more.

Another new film to the Ministry is “The Necessities of Life”. This film was Canada's submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 81st Academy Awards. Set in the early 1950s, the movie tells the story of Tivii (Natar Ungalaaq), an Inuit in the Far North who is diagnosed with tuberculosis by a doctor on a visiting hospital ship and promptly sent south to a sanatorium in Quebec. Separated from his family and unable to communicate with the concerned but condescending staff or his chain-smoking fellow patients, he is devastated by the effects of his isolation. Yet tentative connections with a nurse (Éveline Gélinas) and an orphaned Inuit boy (Paul-André Brasseur) help reintroduce him to the real necessities. This film is in French with English subtitles.

[1] Overstreet, Jeffrey, Through A Screen Darkly (California: Regal Books, 2007), 123.

[2] Overstreet, Jeffrey, Through A Screen Darkly (California: Regal Books, 2007), 175.

The Spirit of Wildness

2011-04-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

From the March 2011 newsletter

One of my favourite reads during the past year has been Trevor Herriot's poetically written book: "Jacob's Wound: A Search for the Spirit of Wildness", so much so, that I have placed a copy of this wonderful book into our Church Library. I believe many who love spirituality and nature will enjoy reading it. I do hope to be able to be able to also acquire a copy of Trevor Herriot's first book, the multiple-award winning "River in a Dry Land: A Prairie Passage", for the library, as the book is clearly the forerunner to "Jacob's Wound."

Trevor Herriot's first book about the Qu'Appelle River Valley, "River in a Dry Land," was highly acclaimed by reviewers when it was first published in 2000 and went on to win four awards: the Writers' Trust Drainie-Taylor Biography Prize, the Libris Award for Best First-Time Author, the Saskatchewan Book of the Year Award, and the Regina Book Award. It was also shortlisted for the Governor General's Award for Non-fiction.

Here is a short book review from Publishers Weekly on "Jacob's Wound" -
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-55591-616-9
In a series of meditations on nature and wildness, religion and spirituality, sojourning and home, Trevor Herriot demonstrates both the contemplative mysticism that returned him to his Catholic roots and the sharp eye of a naturalist distinctly aware of his physical surroundings. In the first half of the book, “Ascending Hakkarmel,” Herriot describes the intimate practice of living occasionally in a tipi on “the Land,” his family's retreat, in chapters alternating with meditations on the Bible, such as the conflict between Jacob and Esau, and religious or spiritual teachings and experiences, such as Teilhard de Chardin's.

In the book's second half, titled “From Mount Carmel,” the author continues, in writing that is lush and evocative, to toggle between personal anecdote and thoughts on scripture and religious tradition. The chapter titles of this half, such as “Wild Grace,” “Scapular 1” and “Into the Presence of God—1. Descend,” belie the author's poetic style. Herriot provides, rather than a sustained ecological or theological argument, an engaged reflection on nature and God.

"Jacob's Wound is an extended posture of supplication, a benediction voiced into the wind. Trevor Herriot stands, extends his arms toward heaven and earth, and draws the spirit toward its home in the heart." ~Ross A. Laird, "Globe & Mail, October 30, 2004"

Official New Library Opening!

2011-04-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

From the Advent 2010 newsletter

The "new" St. Timothy's Library has officially opened -- with many thanks to the graciousness of Sutherland Church to offer us a large eight shelf book case that can be closed and locked when not in use. What seemed like "boxes of books" at one time suddenly became much smaller once placed on the new bookcase shelves!

There is room to Grow our Library! There is still quite a few more books and videos to catalogue and place on those shelves. But, for the first time in many years, there is a wide and varied selection of books for borrowing. The Library also has a small collection of Biblical-based VHS videos (does anybody watch those anymore?) and DVD's for children, youth, and adults. Check out your "new" library this Sunday...

"Make thy books thy companions. Let thy cases and shelves be thy pleasure grounds and gardens." ~Judah ibn-Tibbon (12th century)

Hold a Movie Night!

2010-11-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

from the September 2010 Newsletter

With the nights becoming cooler and darker earlier, this is the perfect time to get caught up with watching some new films. Please consider coming over to the “film table” and borrowing a film to watch. Even better, consider having a “movie night” and inviting some friends over to watch a film!

Invictus: This film tells the story of how Nelson Mandela uses the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite and inspire a post apartheid South Africa. After 27 years of imprisonment for his activism against apartheid Mandela has been elected as president. Although it was the end of apartheid, the nation remains deeply divided. Mandela’s top priority is reconciliation and he sees an opportunity in the Springboks, the national rugby team. The 1995 World Cup is to be hosted by South Africa and Mandela wants everyone to get behind their national team and unite the country. Will the team win? Will the country unite? An entertaining and extremely well acted film starring Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Daman as the captain of the Springbok

Blind Side: Based on the true story of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher. Michael has no idea who is father is and his mother is a crack head. Michael has had little formal education and few skills to help him learn. Leigh Anne soon takes charge however, as is her nature, ensuring that the young man has every opportunity to succeed. When he expresses an interest in football, she goes all out to help him, including giving the coach a few ideas on how best to use Michael's skills. They not only provide him with a loving home, but hire a tutor to help him improve his grades to the point where he would qualify for an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship. Michael Oher was the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft.

Shake Hands with the Devil: Shake Hands with the Devil is a Canadian drama feature film starring Roy Dupuis as Roméo Dallaire, which premièred at the Toronto International Film Festival in August 2007. Based on Dallaire's autobiographical book Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda, the film recounts Dallaire's harrowing personal journey during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and how the United Nations failed to heed Dallaire's urgent pleas for further assistance to halt the massacre. An important film for us at St Timothy’s to watch because of our close ties with Rwanda.

New Beginnings!

2010-11-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

From the September 2010 Newsletter

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13)

With the recent move to Sutherland Church, soon all of the St. Timothy’s Church Library books will become easily accessible to our members. I do hope to be able to set up our Library before the end of September, perhaps sharing ideas and resources with Sutherland Church’s librarian. With newfound freedom, I wish to make our Church Library more attractive and exciting for all ages!

Stay tuned for big changes ahead! Your ideas and comments will be most welcome during the Library's transition.

Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?

2010-07-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

from the June 2010 Newsletter

Prayer? Prayer is both the most exhilarating and the most frustrating experience in life.
When God answers your prayer, it's a feeling like no other. So often our prayers don't get answered the way we want. When that's the case, it can be so disappointing it drives you to tears.

We believe praying is like baking with an easy, three-step cake mix, coming out perfect every time. Despite all the books that promise such a thing, there is no secret formula we can use to guarantee the results we want. Still, we keep looking for it. We think about times we got exactly what we wanted and try to recall everything we did. Is there a secret formula we can follow to control how God answers our prayers?

"If prayer stands as the place where human beings meet, then I must learn about prayer," writes Philip Yancey. The Church Library has added Philip Yancey's, "Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?"to its collection. His book circles around two themes: "Why God doesn't act the way we want God to, and why (we) don't act the way God wants (us) to. Prayer is the precise point where those two themes converge. In his most powerful book, Philip Yancey probes the very heartbeat---the most fundamental, challenging, perplexing, and deeply rewarding aspect---of our relationship with God. His book "...explores the questions surrounding prayer that many of us wonder but few of us know how to express."

Philip Yancey, in an interview with Christian Odyssey Magazine (Dec. '06-Jan '07) http://www.christianodyssey.com/06/0612prayer.htm, added this powerful gem about Prayer:

"Don't fake it. A lot of us are like children playing 'peek-a-boo,' hiding their faces in their hands so you can't see them. They are the only ones being fooled. But a lot of us do that in prayer. We come to God, put on a smile and make ourselves look good, but we aren't fooling God. God knows the secrets. The more we put on a mask, the more we misrepresent ourselves. I heard a great sermon about Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. You don't hear much about them, except in sermons on Stewardship Sunday. But this preacher asked what it was that they did wrong. It was not that they did not give their money away. Peter said they didn't have to. But they misrepresented themselves to God. The whole Bible is full of what God puts up with from usâ€”complaints, anger, remorse, repentance. But if you pretend to be something you are not, he can't work with you."

Yancey writes in "Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?"-

"Prayer is cooperation with God, a consent that opens the way for grace to work. Most of the time the Counsellor communicates subtly: feeding ideas into my mind, bringing to awareness a caustic comment I just made, inspiring me to choose better than I would have done otherwise, shedding light on the hidden dangers of temptation, sensitizing me to another's needs. God's Spirit whispers rather than shouts, and brings peace not turmoil." (p. 103)

Everything in this world that we put our faith in has the potential to fail. God does not. He is consistently reliable, even if we do not agree with his decisions. He always leads us in the right direction if we give in to his will. In the "Lord's Prayer," Jesus said to his Father, "â€¦your will be done." (Matthew 6:10, NIV) I believe that only when we reach the place where we are willing to do or accept God's will instead of our own, we will have reached the turning point in our prayers.

~M C

New Film added: The New World

2010-07-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

from the June 2010 newsletter

“If we are to love God, we must first stop, look, and listen for Him in what is happening around us and inside us. If we are to love our neighbours, before doing anything else we must see our neighbours we must see not just their faces but the life behind and within their faces.”

New Film:

"The New World"

From the celebrated writer/director Terrence Malick this is an epic story of love and change, As the Europeans arrive on North American Shores in 1607, we watch history unfold through the eyes of two characters on opposite sides of a cultural divide; John Smith and Pocahontas.

This is a long film (2 ½ hours) and it quite different from the usual “Hollywood” films. The director has a meditative style that may aggravate you, especially if you prefer to watch straightforward narrative, fast moving and conventional Hollywood flourishes, but it is a very good film. Terrence Malick is more of a poet who uses pictures instead of words.” Creation itself pours forth speech”, as the psalmist says, and Malick invites those with eyes to see to look closer and listen carefully.

After Sunday church services come and explore our collection of films. There are all sorts of films and I am sure I can find one that you will enjoy watching.

~P Y

Lost and found...

2010-07-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

from the Easter 2010 newsletter

Spring is finally here, and it is time for a "Spring cleaning", again. I have noted a few Church Library books missing for some time. Could you please check your shelves, closets, under the couch, etc. to see if there are any books that may have been forgotten or misplaced?

There are a couple children's books missing --- notably, "Joseph and His Amazing Coat" and "Daniel and the Lion's Den" (both are Usborne paperback books). Another is the Christian Classic pocket book fiction, part of a series missing for quite a while --"The Curate's Awakening", by George S. McDonald -- the first book of two in the series (book two is "The Lady's Confession" which is still in the library). Thank you.

Happy Easter, and happy reading for the Soul. Nothing beats reading a Christian book! Please check out our books for all ages any Sunday!

-submitted by M C

Update: "Daniel" has been found... "Joseph" and the "Curate" are still lost...)

St. Timothy's Film Ministry:

2010-07-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

from the Easter 2010 newsletter

Most of us watch films to be entertained. We enjoy seeing a film with a good sense of humor, a film with a satisfying love story, a film with a happy ending, an inspirational story. Less often, perhaps, we watch a film for educational purposes. I am not referring to the documentary films from the National Film Board that I remember as a child (although I do admit to remembering a real sense of excitement when the teacher rolled in the 16mm film projector!), but rather films, which allow us to explore different perspectives on life and situations that we encounter during a normal day.

Jeffrey Overstreet, a Christian film critic who lives in Seattle, best known for his work with the magazine “Christianity Today”, writes film reviews, which encourage me to watch films with a Christian perspective. His opinions on film challenge and encourage me to ask questions and learn more about what it means to be a Christian.

Overstreet believes that Christian film reviews in the past have focused on the dangers of movie going. For example, it might have been suggested to avoid a film because it was “too worldly, might lure people into temptation and could be a stumbling block to the Christian faith”. Jeffrey believes that focusing on the dangers of a film can prevent us from realizing that a good film is like telling a story; it can allow us to encounter a different perspective and enter into someone else's world. Unfortunately, some films do “celebrate” the darkness and make it look very appealing. Think of horror films that exploit “ugly” things just to sell tickets; this is not excellence in film. A good film is real and should enable us to engage with, listen to, and understand our neighbours.

An example of a film, which may be difficult to watch, is “Juno”. A film about teenage pregnancy, it accurately portrays the painful challenges of the situation. Overstreet believes that the film shows how the characters think the challenges through, how they make choices that are “sometimes admirable and sometimes dismaying.” “Some wise decisions lead to trouble, some of the foolish decisions lead to blessings. In that way, Juno resembles real life.”

As much as we all like happy endings, try considering that a good film might not have a happy ending. Life doesn't always turn out the way we want. Our prayers aren't always answered. Christians don't always win. In fact if we are to believe in Scripture, we should believe that Christians are more likely to suffer more than others. A good film will explore what happens when the character doesn't get what he wants. It will explore the good and the bad choices that people make and the resulting consequences.

A good example of this is the film, “Into the Wild”, based on the true story of Chris McCandless a young man who leaves his home and family and essentially abandons life to live as a recluse in the wilderness of Alaska. Throughout the story God reaches out to him through many different people, only for Chris to refuse to “open” the door. In the end, he realizes too late, the missed “golden” opportunities. The film is true to life in so many ways.

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verse14, Jesus tells us we are “the light of the world”. The world that Jesus is referring to, is a world with people with real problems; a world with the worst human behaviour, the greatest depravity; a world with people who are truly lost. This is the world where God's love and grace needs to shine brightly. This is what Jesus calls us to be and do. A good film will accurately portray this “broken” world and allow us to enter it and consider what we as Christians might or might not do.

Ultimately film choices are of course a very personal matter. What “works” for one person, may have no effect on another at all. Choose your films wisely, analyze the film for accuracy in relation to life and try and avoid always wanting the happy ending. Overstreet reminds us to “look for moments where you can see the glory of God at work in people's lives and in creation. Watch the film through the lens of faith and allow your faith to be strengthened by the awe-inspiring beauty and power of what God has made.”

-submitted by P Y

Come and check out these new films!

2010-01-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

From the October 2009 newsletter

The Soloist: In this fact-based drama, Robert Downey plays Los Angeles Times journalist Steve Lopez. Estranged from his former wife, Mary (Catherine Keener) -- who is still his editor -- Lopez leads a solitary existence in his upscale but empty home, lulling himself into oblivion, night by night, with a bottle of wine and Neil Diamond tunes. With readership shrinking and layoffs all around him, Lopez desperately needs a human interest story to keep his career on track. He stumbles across an especially compelling one when he meets Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a musically gifted homeless man.

As he profiles and eventually befriends Ayers -- whose passion for Bach and Beethoven Lopez finds infectious -- the columnist works to get him settled in an apartment and find him a safe environment in which to practice. Eventually he strikes on the real-life Lamp Community, a refuge on LA's skid row. Like Ayers, whose schizophrenia cut short his promising cello studies at New York's Juilliard School, many of the Lamp Community's beneficiaries are on the street as a result of mental illness.

The film examines the topics of mental illness and homelessness and it goes about that task with documentary-like realism, coupled with extraordinary tenderness. The result is a film that packs an emotional wallop and yet, paradoxically, feels hopeful. Hopeful that the simple act of friendship can make a difference in someone's life, even if we are unable to offer solutions for a friend's problems. Lopez desperately wanted to fix Ayers, to help him unleash his musical gift to the full. But it turns out that that's not really the point. Loyalty, faithfulness and determination to keep trying, no matter what—those are the values that matter most, according to this film.

The Visitor: A deeply moving drama built around longtime character actor Richard Jenkins. The Visitor is a simmering drama about a college professor and recent widower, Walter Vale who discovers a pair of illegal aliens who were the victims of a real-estate scam living in his New York apartment. After the mix-up is resolved, Vale invites the couple--a young, Syrian musician named Tarek and his Senegalese girlfriend to stay with him. An unlikely friendship develops between the retiring, quiet Vale and the vibrant Tarek, and the former begins to loosen up and respond to Tarek's drumming lessons as if something in him waiting to be liberated has finally been unleashed. All goes well until Tarek is hauled in by immigration authorities and threatened with deportation. His mother, Mouna turns up and stays with Vale, sparking a renewed if subdued interest in courtship. However, the wheels of injustice in immigration crush all manner of hopes in post-9/11 America. Vale soon realizes that he has unexpected anger over Tarek's plight, and the positive changes to his personal life that emerged from a deep involvement with his friend and Mouna might be the only legacy he takes from this experience. This film explores issues about immigration, culture and music.

Stranger Than Fiction: Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) is an IRS agent whose life is little more than a string of dull, dreary, methodical routines. Every morning he brushes his teeth a certain number of times, and he walks a certain number of steps across the street to catch his bus—and the film annotates his activities with pop-up diagrams that track his every move. Harold's activities are described to us by a female voice-over narrator—and then, one morning, Harold hears the voice for himself. At first this is merely annoying, and it drives Harold nuts—but then the woman's voice makes a cryptic reference to Harold's imminent death, and Harold begins to fear for his life.

The voice belongs to Kay Eiffel (Emma Thompson), a novelist who has a bad case of writer's block; the problem is so bad, in fact, that the publisher has sent her an assistant named Penny Escher (Queen Latifah) to goad her into finishing her latest book. We learn that Kay has a reputation for killing off her main characters, and the reason her current novel is stuck in limbo is because she can't figure out how to bump off the main character—who just happens to be Harold Crick.

Harold turns to a literary prof named Jules Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman), who creates a test to narrow down the possible range of genres to which Harold's life story might belong. Harold also happens to be auditing—and falling in love with—an idealistic baker named Ana Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhaal), so he takes notes every time they meet, tallying the moments between them that seem to point towards a happy ending and those which seem to point towards something more tragic. Of course, since he works for the IRS, and she withheld a portion of her taxes to protest government policies, the relationship might seem doomed; then again, romantic comedies often start with couples hating each other's guts, so who knows?

This very unique but heartwarming film explores topics such as control and meaning in our lives, outside influences and death.

Submitted by P Y

Celebrating Advent

2009-12-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

From the Advent Newsletter, 2009

"Silent night, Holy night. All is calm, all is bright. . . ."

The carols try to tell us that this is a calm and silent time of year. But for most of us, the weeks leading up to Christmas can be anything but calm. You know the drill: Christmas parties, shopping, wrapping, relatives, Christmas plays, etc., etc. It's enough to leave even the strongest among us exhausted.

Can we slow things down a little so we can enjoy the season again? Can we put Christ ahead of Christmas?

There is a way to put a little relaxation back into your Christmas season without adding too much to your busy schedule. As we enter the Advent season and get closer and closer to the 25th, try reading a Christmas book, borrowed from the Church Library. Find a quiet corner, a cup of cocoa, and favorite blanket and curl up and read from a selection of:

"The Glory of Christmas: Inspirational Writings from..." - C. Swindoll, M. Lucado, C. Colson
"The Purpose of Christmas" - Rick Warren
"Christmas in Mitford: Esther's Gift; The Mitford Snowmen" - Jan Karon
"The Good Shepherd" - Gunnar Gunnarsson
"Christmas Stories..." - Teresa Worman

plus a few more...

There is always available that timeless original Christmas story from the Bible: Luke 2:1-20.

The Church Library is always looking for more reading treasures to add to it's Advent and Christmas collection. Have a Blessed Christmas, everyone.

-submitted by M C

Harvesting good Christian books...

2009-12-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

From the October 2009 Newsletter

During the mid-17^th century theologians gathered and compiled a document that was meant to encompass the core doctrines and beliefs of the Christian faith. This document, called the “Westminster Catechism”, was one of the most important and influential documents to come out of the Reformation. One of the Catechism's most powerful statements is this - "The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."

“In Him we have obtained an inheritance having been predestinedaccording to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might beto the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12)

Our church library is full of books written by worshipful authors who glorify God and enjoy Him, through their writings, so that we may also better understand the passion of glorifying and enjoying God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We have many books about prayer, and devotionals that help guide us in glorification of our God, for both young and old.

Inspirational books (both fact and fictional) tell stories of people who were lost, and then found by God, and how their lives were changed by glorification and enjoyment in the service of God. None of these books ever replaces the utmost authority of the Bible, but help to broaden our faith and understanding of the Word.

As the crispy autumn days comes upon us, let us grow and harvest the books of St. Timothy’s Church

library, broadening the horizons of our faith:

“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that He answered them well, asked Him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:28-30)

Submitted by M C

St. Timothy's Church Library

2009-07-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

(from the June 2009 Newsletter)

Summer holidays are just around the corner, and what a great time to pick up a book or two from your Church Library for reading during those balmy evenings ahead.

I encourage the church children and youth to check out some of the books, now that school is almost over --- more time to read and grow as a Christian over the holiday months. During the next few months the Church Library will become "reorganized", with new selections from the many donated and new books that have been received --- and have yet to be catalogued. The Church Librarian has got a busy summer ahead of her... (smile)

I also am calling an "amnesty" on any books borrowed in the past, that have not yet been returned to the Church Library. If you have any of those books lying around the house, or on your bookshelves, please bring them back for others to enjoy. Have a great summer reading some great Christian books. Check out your Church Library, today.

-submitted by M.C.

St. Timothy’s Film Ministry

2009-07-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

(from the June 2009 Newsletter)

Films recently added to the collection include:

Rachel Getting Married

Sitting through a movie about sibling rivalry at a wedding, especially one starring the doe-eyed and normally facile Anne Hathaway, sounds like a potentially painful way to spend an evening. However, as directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Jenny Lumet (Sidney's daughter), this 2008 drama is not a lightweight star vehicle à la Julia Roberts circa 1997 but a darkly realistic look at the dysfunction within a family thrown into disarray. Using an almost cinéma vérité style, Demme explores how a wedding reopens old wounds within a family in a naturalistic way made all the more palpable by the emotional acuity in Lumet's screenplay. This film beautifully explores issues of redemption and forgiveness. This film is rated R for language and sexuality.

Millions

From legendary director Danny Boyle comes “a family film of limitless imagination and surprising joy!” It’s holiday season and seven-year-old Damian believes he’s received a divine gift from above when a suitcase filled with cash literally falls out of the sky. Damian is anxious to share the wealth with those less fortunate while his fun-loving brother Anthony would rather spend it like there’s no tomorrow! But when the loot turns out to be stolen, both the boys’ plans are put to the test—with heart-warming and hilarious results. This film could provoke and interesting discussion on the Christian’s role with charity and giving to the poor.

Slumdog Millionaire

Winner of 8 academy awards, including best film, this film is directed by Danny Boyle (Millions). A Mumbai teenager, who grew up in the slums, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" He is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers. This film explores issues about poverty, choices, survival and love.

Savages

Starring award winning actors Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman, this film is about Jon and Wendy Savage who are two siblings who have spent their adult years trying to recover from the abuse of their abusive father, Lenny Savage. Suddenly, a call comes in that his girlfriend has died, he cannot care for himself with his dementia and her family is dumping him on his children. Despite the fact Jon and Wendy have not spoken to Lenny for twenty years and he is even more loathsome than ever, the Savage siblings feel obliged to take care of him. Now together, brother and sister must come to terms with the new and painful responsibilities with their father now affecting their lives even as they struggle with their own personal demons Lenny helped create. This film explores issues related to caring for aging family members, facing life’s trials, and coping with death. This film is rated R for language and sexuality.

-submitted by P.Y.

Ripple Effect: The Legacy of Billy Graham

2009-04-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

(from the April 2009 Newsletter)
M.C. reports:

Little did a Sunday School teacher realize how far the "ripple effect" of her evangelism would reach. It started with J. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918), an American evangelist, revivalist and pastor, who wrote some of our well known hymns; He was helped during an invitation time, by his Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Binkley, who, "putting her hand under my elbow... I stood up with the others...it was the day of my acknowledgment of Christ". The ripples that emanated from Chapman's evangelism included the conversions of Billy Sunday, then Mordecai Ham, who brought the great evangelist, Billy Graham, to Jesus Christ, in1934. This tremendous impact of evangelism began out of the humble efforts of a simple Sunday School teacher. Everything we do in the name of Jesus Christ has an effect that will be viewed through Eternity. "We may never live to see the full fruits of our labour, but the "Glory of God" will shine on through your evangelism, in life and death."

We have a couple books about, and by Billy Graham in the Church Library:
A very colourful pictorial biography: "Billy Graham: God's Ambassador", by photographer Russ Busby -- Billy Graham was the driving force behind the evangelical movement of the 20th Century.
This book begins with a quote from Daniel Webster, in fitting with the theme -
"If we work on marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear up temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and the love of our fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity."

The other books:
"Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse", by Billy Graham, sends us the warning message of Revelations to the Seven Churches, and the church (believers in Jesus Christ), that we must not forsake our "first love", nor diminish the message of the Bible, in particular, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Billy Graham states that those who "water down" the Bible's message simply are leaving the doors open to the four horsemen of the apocalypse, in the end (Ephesians 6:12). A very powerful book, with a sobering message to us all. This is a "must read" for those studying "Revelations" in our Bible study home groups.

also: "The Secret of Happiness", by Billy Graham. Based on the Beatitudes.The foremost preacher of our generation searches the heart of the world's greatest sermon. Happiness. It's what we all long for, what all human beings seek in our jobs, our relationships, our activities. We try so hard to be happy, and all too often we end up empty and unsatisfied. Why? Because, says Billy Graham in this classic work, we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

Instead of looking for happiness in the temporal pleasures of this world, we need to understand eternity through what Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount – that true, lasting happiness is a by-product, a bonus that comes when we seek what is really important -- trust in God. Presented with Dr. Graham's characteristic simplicity, this landmark book teaches us to live above the circumstances of life and rest in the true happiness God wants us to have.

Film Ministry is "Fireproof"

2009-04-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

(from the April 2009 newsletter)

P.Y. reports:

The purpose of St. Timothy’s Film Ministry is to help people engage with God through the medium of film. Even though the story of Jesus Christ and his people may not even be in the mind of the director, writer or producer they cannot help but tell the stories of temptation and sin, death and new life, love and joy, grace and forgiveness, salvation and redemption. The ministry desires to make use of popular, wide release (Hollywood) films to help people encounter these ideas and truths in a way in which they did not expect but also in a way, which is safe and accessible.

New films:
The Bucket List: This film staring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson strikes a nice balance between comedy and drama, favouring humour and poignant conversations over weepy developments. Morgan Freeman is a car mechanic and a loving family man with a penchant for trivia. Jack Nicholson is a billionaire with an appreciation for the finer things, but with an unsympathetic, boorish attitude (a character that is perfect for Jack Nicholson!) In spite of their obvious differences, the two men share something important in common, both are terminally ill with the prognosis of mere months to live. As they endure chemotherapy treatments together, Carter and Edward forge a friendship and begin talking about life and death. Recalling an assignment from his college philosophy class, Carter begins to write a "bucket list" of things he'd like to experience before he kicks said bucket. Staring at mortality, their deadlines looming, wealthy Edward makes some additions of his own and proposes that the two begin fulfilling their checklist, a journey that takes them around the world despite the protests of Carter's wife Virginia. From there it's pretty obvious where this movie is headed. There are laughs to be had as the men live out some of their childish fantasies. Tears are shed, lives are changed. One man learns that in spite of what little he's experienced in his life, he's always had all he ever wanted. The other has everything, only to discover he has nothing. Predictable? Perhaps, but if nothing else, this movie reminds us of the importance of the journey.

The Express: If you enjoy “sports films” you will enjoy this film which is based on the incredible true story, of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Raised in poverty in the Southern Tier of New York State, Davis overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become an unstoppable running back for the Syracuse Orangemen. Under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder - a hard-nosed surrogate father with an obsession for winning a national championship - Davis would develop from an impressive high-school athlete into a legend. While everyone agreed Ernie Davis was a miracle player, few thought this quiet young man would become an icon for the burgeoning civil rights movement dividing America in the early 1960's. Refusing to play by the unspoken racist rules of the day, Davis broke through one barrier after another to alter the way fans looked at men of his color. Though struck a terrible blow in the prime of his life, his spirit soared when most would crumble. Forcing his bull-headed coach to re-examine a life lived in color-based privilege, Davis would join the ranks of black pioneers who inspired a movement that smashed barriers on and off the playing field.

Fireproof: Although I don’t normally include what might be called, “Christian films” in this collection, I have decided to include, “Fireproof” because I believe that this film will provoke some very interesting discussion. This film, which is entirely directed, written and acted by members of a Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia is in many ways similar to their other film, “Facing the Giants” – which is also in our collection of films. Even if the marginal acting and the predictable ending “put you off” it is worth watching this film. Post-film discussion could focus on whether or not films like these have a positive or negative impact on sharing the gospel. In fact this film and “Facing the Giants” provoked outrage from Christians when the films received PG ratings, not because of any profanities or violence, but because of its spiritual content! Also it might be worth talking about why some Christians praised the film for its positive, family-friendly values, while others condemned it as bad art, a bad story badly told that would only encourage the worst artistic instincts of the evangelicals who saw it.

The story this time concerns a firefighter whose wife of seven years wants a divorce. He is ready to give up on the marriage altogether, but his father gives him a book called The Love Dare and challenges him to follow its steps before throwing in the towel. Since Fireproof has been endorsed by a plethora of marriage ministries, you can pretty much guess how things will turn out. But the directors earn their resolution this time; instead of dropping miracles and messages from God on their characters, they keep the story focused on the Holts and driven by the choices that the Holts make. Put simply, it no longer feels like the filmmakers are "cheating."

A Few New Films for Borrowing

2009-02-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

(from the December 2008 Newsletter)

Batman Begins: You might ask yourself, “What is a Batman film doing in a church film collection?” But this excellent film is very relevant to our Christian faith as it explores topics such as justice, revenge and man’s fall into sin. In Batman Begins, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan explores the origins of the legendary Dark Knight. In the wake of his parents’ murders, disillusioned heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. With the help of his trusted butler Alfred, detective Jim Gordon and his ally Lucius Fox Wayne returns to Gotham City and unleashes his alter ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses strength, intellect and an array of high-tech weaponry to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city. This film has a PG 13 rating.

Akeelah and the Bee: Akeelah Anderson is a bright eleven-year old with an extraordinary gift for words. Despite her mother’s objections, and with the help of an outspoken professor, her aptitude lands her a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, bringing together her entire community through courage and inspiration. This family friendly film opens discussion on topics such as using our talents, encouragement and perseverance.

Into The Wild: Based on the best selling book by John Krakauer, Into the Wild, this film is inspired by the true story of Chris McCandless a young man who abandons his life of comfort to pursue the freedom of life on the road, a quest that leads him to the Alaskan wilderness and the ultimate challenge of his life. This film explores topics such as forgiveness, suicide and what is true happiness? This film is rated 14A.

Juno: Juno is a charming, quirky, and witty look into the life of a whip-smart 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant after a one-night stand with her boyfriend. And again you might ask yourself, “What is a film about teenage pregnancy doing in a church film collection?” But this excellent film explores some very relevant topics to our Christian faith especially how we relate to today’s society and it’s problems. The film of course provokes discussion about teenage pregnancy and abortion, but most importantly looks at forgiveness and showing grace in difficult situations. The film is rated PG13.

Submitted by PY

The Bible Series DVD's

2009-01-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

(from the December 2008 newsletter)

The Church Library has added a small collection of DVD films, "The Bible Series". It consists of four films:

GENESIS - The Creation and the Flood: The story begins with the creation of Man and Woman, the sin committed by Adam and Eve, and the temptation by the snake, which led to their banishment from Paradise. The story continues with the first crime committed by mankind, Cain's murder of his brother, the condemnation of God, mankind's corruption and evil, and God's regret for having created earth. The choice f Noah, a just and upright man, to build the Ark, the flood and its clearing the way for a new mankind, the pact of the eternal Covenant between God and all living beings, are told through the clear and simple words of an old nomad shepherd.

ESTHER: Following the conquest of Babylon, the King of Persia gives a banquet for his people at which he requests the presence of his wife, Vashti. As she refuses the King's demand, Ahasuerus disowns Vashti and goes in search of her replacement. In his harem, he meets the young girl Esther who immediately captivates him with her charm and beauty. Unaware of her Jewish heritage, King Ahasuerus falls in love with Esther. Esther then reveals to Ahasuerus that she is Jewish and asks him to show her people mercy, because of a planned genocide of the Jews by the King's right-hand man, Haman. In doing so, she saves the lives of may innocent people and paves the way for their return to Jerusalem.

JEREMIAH: Jeremiah tells the story of the prophet who abandons his family and the woman he loves, in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem. Although he is persecuted and branded as a traitor for warning others of the destruction of the Holy City, he continues fearlessly with his mission. When his prophecy is fulfilled, he experiences first- hand Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians.

SOLOMON: Defeating his older brother, Solomon is crowned King of Israel and rules the land with love, peace and respect. While visiting the city, Solomon meets the beautiful Queen of Sheba and falls in love at first sight. When the time comes for her to return to her homeland, Solomon is unable to convince her to stay. Bereft of her beauty and companionship, he falls into a deep depression, departing from his once idyllic world of peace and luxury while his kingdom threatens to collapse.

The fifth film in the library's new Biblical Films collection, JESUS - The Greatest Story of All Time (2004), was originally produced as a television mini-series for CBS -- which not only retells the biblical story, but takes a look at the more human side of Jesus. While the movie does stray from strict scripture--Jesus is shown feeling conflicted over his feelings for Lazarus's sister Mary; Satan works hard at convincing Jesus to stray from his path--most of the plot will be familiar to viewers. The life and times of Jesus of Nazareth, from His humble beginnings as a carpenter to His destiny as the son of God, are vividly retold in this epic movie event.

The biblically-based films and videos added to the Church Library complements the existing Church Film Ministry. More will be added over time for our church members to enjoy.

-- submitted by MC

Invite Some Friends Over for a Movie Night

2008-10-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

Film Ministry
(from the September 2008 newsletter)

Every Sunday at St Timothy’s, a variety of films are available for parishioners to borrow. Each film is accompanied with a film description, information on the rating of the film and questions for discussion. The questions will encourage you to explore the theme of the film from a Christian perspective.

Why not borrow a film and invite some friends over for a movie night?

New films in the collection:
Dead Man Walking: In 1982, Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun, started corresponding with a death row inmate in Angola Prison in Louisiana. The experience changed the direction of her ministry and propelled her into activism against the death penalty. Tim Robbins has taken material from her book Dead Man Walking and reshaped it into one of the most inspiring and positive portraits of Christian ministry ever put on film. Susan Sarandon won an Academy Award for her luminous portrait of Sister Helen Prejean. Sean Penn was nominated as Best Actor for his role as convicted murderer and rapist, Matthew Poncelet.

The Rookie: The true story of a middle-aged baseball rookie of Texas pitcher Jim Morris who was derailed by a severe shoulder injury. After corrective surgery repairs, Jim discovers that he can pitch a ball even faster than he could before. When his team delivers a lacklustre on-field performance in a losing game, coach and players agree to a wager: If they'll make it to the district championships, he'll try out for a major league ball club. Is Jim about to live his dream?

Lars and the Real Girl: "A lonely, delusional young man buys a life-size sex doll on the Internet and falls in love with her, telling people it's his girlfriend." Based on that premise alone, you might consider giving this film a miss, but don’t. This is one of the sweetest, most sensitive movies of 2007, and, surprisingly, a powerful look at the body of Christ in action—and the relentless and patient nature of God's love. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll walk away with a smile and warm fuzzies.

The Shawshank Redemption: Frequently ranked amongst the greatest films of all time, this 1994 film is basked on the Stephen King short story, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. Starring Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding the film is about Andy’s time in a corrupt state prison after being wrongly imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover. Shawshank is an emotional and cathartic exploration of the best and the worst of the human spirit. Its message of hope and perseverance in adversity captivates and inspires while teaching important moral truths. The discussion guide will help you discuss the movie from a biblical perspective as you reflect on the themes of hope, endurance, freedom, and peace.

Coming soon:

Into the Wild: Based on the novel by John Krakauer this film explores the life of Chris McCandless the young American boy who after graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete, abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life.

Wall-E: In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: In this 2nd film in the Narnia series (books by C.S. Lewis) siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy return to Narnia, where they are enlisted to join the colourful creatures of Narnia to ward off the evil king and restore the rightful heir to the land's throne, Prince Caspian.

Patricia would appreciate hearing of any movies you know about that would be suitable for purchase for our film library.

S L

E. Stanley Jones - The "Billy Graham" of India

2008-09-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

(From the September 2008 Newsletter)

E. (Eli) Stanley Jones (1884-1973) was a 20th century Christian missionary and theologian, known as the "Billy Graham" of India, He is best known here for the Christian Ashram movement. Jones wrote many timeless books, four of which have been placed in St. Timothy's Library:

The Christ of the Mount (1931) – A working philosophy of life, and greatest need of the modern world to rediscover the power of the message.

The Way to Power and Poise (1949) (devotional) - Full of psychological good sense and religious wisdom that comes from God.

How to be a Transformed Person (1951) (devotional) - We can gain a new life of based in reality, peace, confidence, growing into greater spiritual maturity, etc., "and all this because God transformed himself into man -- became like us, that we might become like him.".

Conversion (1959) - What is conversion? How does it come about? What are its lasting effects? A book richly illustrated with personal testimonies of conversion from people all over the world

E. Stanley Jones is also remembered for his interreligious lectures to the educated classes in India, thousands of which were held across the whole of India during the first decades of the 20th century. According to his and other contemporary reports, Jone's friendship for the cause of Indian self-determination allowed him to become friends with many Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and the Nehru family.

Gandhi challenged Jones, and the thousands of Western missionaries working there during the last decades of the British colonial empire, in his writings, to include greater respect for the mindset and strengths of the Indian character in their work. Gandhi was attracted to the hymns of Christianity. Sadly, an early visit to a "lukewarm" (Rev 3:14-22) and lacklustre Christian church in South Africa, closed Mahatma Gandhi's mind to becoming a Christian. E.Stanley Jones books do not allow us to remain complacent, nor "lukewarm" about our faith in Christ.

The Christian Ashram movement soon became international because E. Stanley Jones introduced the concept to the many countries where he had preaching missions. People on every continent experienced the Christian Ashram as a life transforming fellowship that was universal in its appeal and a way to understand and grow in the Christian faith. Brother Stanley nurtured the movement through frequent visits and letters. One of these successful Ashrams just celebrated its 35th anniversary in BC this year.

M.C.

NEW!

2008-08-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

Film Ministry at St.Timothy's

(from the December 2007 Church Newsletter)

Introduction
Beginning early in the New Year of 2008, St Timothy’s will have a library of films in DVD format for parishioners to borrow for a one-week period. Fewer and fewer films are available in video format, but if they can found this format will also be added to the collection. The collection will be displayed each Sunday, where space is available, either at the rear or the side of our present space at Lynn Valley Recreation Centre.

Why a Film Ministry?
Films can provide us with an opportunity to experience life in all of its variety, creativity and beauty. They can enable us to encounter the world through the perspectives of others and respectfully, compassionately consider what others see, hear, think and experience. Just as Jesus was involved with popular culture by attending parties, listening to the stories of others and telling good stories himself, we too can gain insight in to today’s culture by watching films. “Good films invite us into someone’s creative expression so that we can think it over and discuss it. A good movie reflects the world we live in, so that we understand it better. A good movie is truthful – whether the subject is something beautiful or something terrible.” As a Christian watching a film we will be encouraged to look for theological themes of redemption, salvation, healing, faith, prayer, justice, grace, creation, sin, searching, evil, human nature and suffering.

Choosing films for the collection
All films will be chosen with an attitude of discernment and conscience and will have final approval from our Rector. The collection will include a variety of films suitable for children, teenagers, adults and family viewing. The collection will include films which will provoke discussion and thought about our world and will not necessarily only include films which one might call, “Christian films”. There are many films which, for whatever reason, have gone almost undetected and are excellent films to watch and also are not easily available at rental outlets, at the library or on television.

Information accompanying each film
Attached to the film will be a description of the rating. For example, whether the film is suitable for children or, if it is only suitable for adult viewing. There will be a brief summary of the film and each film will have with it 2 or 3 questions suitable for “pre and post film” discussion.

I look forward to beginning this Ministry in the New Year and encouraging you to borrow a film and to invite your friends over to watch it with you.

P. Y.

(From the March 2008 Newsletter)
Film Ministry:

P. Y. reports:
St Timothy’s now has a film library! Every Sunday after church, is a chance to look through this small, but growing collection of films and find one that interests you. Each film includes a film summary and the film rating. There is also a collection of questions, which you can use to help you to further insight into the film. I encourage you to borrow a film, invite some friends over and have a movie night!

The Collection Includes:
Amazing Grace
The Girl in the Café
Lilies of the Field
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Hotel Rwanda
Babette’s Feast
Pay it Forward
Soon to come:
The Hoosiers; The Mission; In the Name of the Father; Crossroads (St. John’s Shaughnessy).
(Please tell Patricia if you have any suggestions!)

(from the June 2008 Newsletter)
Film Ministry
K.B. and P.Y. report:

God is the creator of all things and so his fingerprints are on all things to which we lay our hands. Themes such as temptation and sin, death and new life, love and joy, grace and forgiveness, salvation and redemption, are universal truths which permeate the world around us. And so it is not surprising then to find these themes infused in poetry, literature, art and film. It is through such themes that people can come to know something of the heart and mind of God for he is their author.

The purpose of St. Timothy's Film Ministry is to help people engage with God in these themes through the medium of film. Even though the story of Jesus Christ and his people may not even be in he mind of the director, writer or producer they cannot help but tell these stories. We wish to make use of popular, wide release (Hollywood) films o help people encounter these ideas and truths in an unexpected way, but also in a way which is safe and accessible.

It is for this reason (and due to the lack of storage space) that we are being very selective of the films we are including. We want wide release films, but also ones that are not obvious to people that they include biblical themes (ie. we are not including films like "The Passion" because no one will be surprised that is contains biblical themes). This is why at this time we are not receiving donations of films, but we would be glad to receive suggestions of films that people have been surprised by.

Once we purchase a film, we watch it and include a study guide to help people see the themes, explore them and begin to ask questions as they make connections with Christ.

We hope you all enjoy, appreciate and take advantage of this new ministry opportunity and that you invite others to join with you.

"Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust"

2008-07-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

A Rwandan holocaust survivor, she forgave the killers of her family. Immaculée Ilibagiza has written a book about her experience, “Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Genocide". It is a simply written book with a powerful message about God and prayer.

The call to mass murder came across the radio in the middle of the night: "Hutus: Rise up and kill your Tutsi neighbors".

In the spring, of 1994, at the start of what become known as the Rwandan genocide, Immaculée Ilibagiza was a 22-year-old college student, home for Easter. She and her family were Tutsi. At the urging of her parents, she fled to the home of a local Episcopal priest--a Hutu--and hid with seven other women in his 3’x 4’ bathroom for three months. When they emerged 91 days later, it was to discover that almost all their friends and relatives had been murdered, hacked to pieces by the machetes of their Hutu friends and neighbors. Ilibagiza lost her parents, grandparents, and three brothers.

But instead of letting rage, grief, and a desire for revenge take over her life, Ilibagiza reached inside herself and found only forgiveness. She describes how she spent much of her time in the bathroom praying--as the screams of the murdered seeped through the single window. Yet when reciting The Lord’s Prayer, she stopped dead at “forgive those who trespass against us.” “So I am praying to God to help me out, to save me, but yet I have got anger", she has said. "There was an obstacle in my heart.”

She asked God to help her overcome that obstacle and forgive. It was, she said, a moment of complete surrender. “I gave everything to God,” she said. “Later when I saw Jesus on the cross, when He said, ‘Forgive them, Father, for they don't know what they do,’ I understood what exactly he meant and what I needed to do.” From that moment, she was able to pray for her enemies, “for this evil to come out of them,” she said. “So then that gives me a way out of my unforgiveness, of my hatred. And I felt so good.”

It is ironic that popular New Age spiritual guru, Dr. Wayne Dyer, who wrote the introduction to this powerful book, completely misses it's message about God and prayer. Dyer is a staunch advocate for the New Age belief called, "God realization." Dyer states: "God realization is the place where in your heart you take your thoughts and ask yourself, 'Are they in harmony with the source I originated from?' Everyone and everything that shows up in the world of form in this universe originates not from a particle, as quantum physics teaches us, but from an energy field. That energy field can be called God, soul, spirit, or consciousness. It looks a certain way, sounds a certain way, and feels a certain way. I try to stay in harmony with what I believe it sounds and feels like."

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). Even Immaculée Ilibagiza understands she was powerless alone to save herself, and prayed unceasingly (1Thess.5:17) for God's protection, so she could be "Left to Tell...". Her miraculous story has nothing to do with "god realization" and everything to do about "relying on God." *

Also: "Led By Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide",
by Immaculée Ilibagiza

In her second book, continuing her story, we are taught how to trust God in all things:

"Immaculee sought a quiet room in a retreat house for solitary hours of prayer and mourning which healed her broken heart. It was a slow and painful passage bathed in tears, in which she grew into the exceptionally strong, loving woman beloved by millions.

She became a conduit of love for her surviving family members, Mother Teresa’s orphans, her colleagues at the UN, and eventually her own husband and children. Immaculee relates her story with warm humility drawing the reader into her tender presence.

Immaculee is what the world, imprisoned in the isolation of Godless materialism urgently needs, a person unafraid to love God and her fellow man intimately without fear of rejection, with a powerful love which overcomes even hatred and unthinkable acts of savagery."

(www.catholicmediareview.blogspot.com/)

There is still tension among the Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda, "there will be tension for the next 100 years," she said. There are people with wounds from the massacres.(www.immaculee.com )

Rwanda still needs our heart felt prayers.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

*We can gain more powerful insights on the power of prayer that Immaculée discovered during her hour of need, and of that power that comes from God alone, inside Brother Andrew's book, "Prayer Works", also in St. Timothy's Church Library collection.

M.C.

The Church Library NewsLetter Archive: Sept. 2004 to March 2008

2008-07-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

March 2008

M.C. reports:

The Anglican Coalition in Canada/Anglican Mission in the Americas has been described as a "mission" church. It is the "Anglican Church" in a new wineskin (Mark 2: 22), according to the talks/sermons given at both the recent Anglican Renewal Mission and the Anglican Awakening.

Thus, The Book That Transforms Nations - by Loren Cunningham, was donated in a timely fashion by a member of St. Timothy's --- with a message for us all:

"No country is too poor, too filled with crime, too divided by war, or too dark to be changed. God has given us basic principles that are keys to every problem we face in the twenty-first century. The answers lie between the covers of one book - the Bible.

The Book That Transforms Nationsdemonstrates how, together, we can use the Bible to change the whole world. Loren Cunningham's fifty years of ministry have taken him to the world's poorest and neediest as well as to kings and presidents. Here he offers a solid reason to hope and work for a better future.

See how God has already worked wonders in the nations.
Meet heroes who have discipled countries in applying the Bible's transforming truths.
Learn about innovative methods for getting God's Word out to everyone.

Loren Cunningham is the founder of Youth With A Mission. For decades, Loren has ministered and taught internationally, often going to thirty or forty countries each year. His missionary travels have taken him to every country on earth. The Book That Transforms Nationsdraws on a lifetime of observing the nations as they change and a lifelong pursuit of hearing God's word for the nations."

Check out this wonderful book, soon -- there is bound to be a waiting list!

December 2007

FROM THE CHURCH LIBRARY:
Report submitted by M.C., Church Librarian:
The Amish novels of Wanda E. Brunstetter will touch your heart and simplify your life. In the church library we have a series of her three novels called, “Daughters of Lancaster County”, which have become a popular “check out” item among our library’s regular readers.
In this series we follow an Amish family's story from its dark beginning to glorious resolution!
Book 1 – The Storekeeper’s Daughter: Time seems to stand still in Naomi Fisher's tranquil Amish community. Helping her widowed father run the general store, keeping house, and raising her seven brothers and sisters leaves her precious little time for courtship. But when her baby brother disappears, she's forced to reconsider her course. Will she leave everything familiar to pursue a new avenue?
Book 2 – The Quilter’s Daughter: Abby Miller leaves her successful quilt shop and patient fiancé in Ohio to help her newly remarried and now pregnant mother in Lancaster County. While she's away, Abby's world is shattered in one fell swoop. How can God make anything good come out of this tragedy?
Book 3 – The Bishop’s Daughter: Leona is Bishop Jacob Weaver's daughter and a dedicated teacher in a one-room Amish schoolhouse. After her father's tragic accident, Leona's faith waivers. How could God allow something like this to happen to one of His servants? "Outlander" Jimmy Scott comes to Pennsylvania in search of his real family. When he is hired to paint an Amish schoolhouse, Jimmy and Leona find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Can anything good come from the love between an Amish woman and an "English" man? What secrets will be revealed and what miracles await God's people in Lancaster County? You can read more about author, Wanda E. Brunstetter at www.wandabrunstetter.com

Sept.2007

St. Timothy’s Library
M.C. reports:
New books keep trickling into the library, and many checked out just as fast. Over the next few newsletters, I will be hi-lighting some of the more challenging books written about Christianity. This month will focus on author, Mark Buchanan's two books: Your God is Too Safe, and the companion book, The Holy Wild. Agree with Pastor Mark Buchanan, or not, he will be sure to challenge you and shake you out of your "comfortable place" with God. Mark lives on Vancouver Island with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children. He was educated at UBC, and Regent College, and is the pastor of New Life Community Church, Duncan, BC. The following has been taken from - http://markbuchanan.net/

“Your God is Too Safe: Here’s a thoughtful, probing exploration of why Christians get stuck in the place of complacency, dryness, and tedium — and how to move on to
new levels of spiritual passion. Buchanan shows how the majority of Christians begin their spiritual journey with excitement and enthusiasm — only to get bogged down in a “borderland” — an in-between space beyond the “old life” but short of the abundant, adventurous existence promised by Jesus. Citing Jonah, he examines the problem of “borderland living” — where doubt, disappointment, guilt, and wonderlessness keep
people in a quagmire of mediocrity — then offers solutions - effective ways to get unstuck and move into a bold, unpredictable, exhilarating walk with Christ. Inspired writing!

The Holy Wild: Our perception of God makes a difference in every crevice of our
character, from our inner anxieties to our public conversations. It determines whether we are trusting or suspicious, whether we are happy or discontented - and whether or not we can rely on God matters mightily on the day of our death. Mark Buchanan’s third book continues his penetrating exploration of the God we worship. Bravely and honestly, he
poses the direct question of human existence: Can God be trusted?”
Check both these books out of our church library, sometime soon.

June 2007

St. Timothy’s Library:
The books recently added to the church library from the Alpha resource area are proving to be very popular. Please consider borrowing these books to read during the summer months.

The Grow team welcomes your suggestions and comments.
S.L.

Easter 2007

St. Timothy’s Church Library:
16 new books are being added to the church library. These are books purchased as resource and enhancement materials for the Alpha program. They are now available for general use:

Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
Basic Christianity – John Stott
Orthodoxy – G.K. Chesterton
Run Baby Run – Nicky Cruz
The Cross and the Switchblade – David Wilkerson
The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom
Too Busy not to Pray – Bill Hybels
Chasing the Dragon – Jackie Pullinger
Listening to God – Joyce Huggett
Life in Christ – Raniero Cantalamessa
Come Creator Spirit – Raniero Cantalamessa
The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis
How to Give Away Your Faith – Paul Little
Dancer off her feet – Julie Sheldon
Power Evangelism – John Wimber
What’s so Amazing about Grace? – Philip Yancey

If you have ideas or suggestions that we might pursue to further “grow” the faith of our community, please let me know.
S.L.

February 2007

St. Timothy's Church Library
Did you know -- almost ALL the books in our Church Library are banned in places like North Korea, Saudi Arabia, etc. In a free country like Canada, we can pick and choose to read what we like with out fear of persecution. Some of these books cannot be found in our own public libraries, though. But -- only a few people come to check out St. Timothy's Church Library, weekly. Please come and check out our books every Sunday at coffee time. Suggest new books. Donated new and "gently used" books are always welcome for the library.

New additions to the library: The complete set of Wanda E. Brunstetter's "Daughters of Lancaster County" is a heart-warming fiction that gives us insight into the simple ways of the Amish.
Book 1 - The Storekeeper's Daughter;
Book 2 - The Quilter's Daughter;
Book 3 - The Bishop's Daughter.

M.C.

October 2006

There have been a few interesting and positive changes for the Church Library. After a long absence, the library is back with a new look. There is permanent book tray that will be out every Sunday, next to the kitchen. We also have a bright new library sign to hang up. New books have been added and continue weekly to supplement our library.

As the library goes through improvements, we hope to attract more of our readers to check out these good books. Permanent additions include a Harper's Bible Dictionary and Strong's Concordance (a generous donation from Margaret Salibi), for use with Bible Study home groups, etc. There are books for the youn, the youth, and the "young at heart" to GROW in the Christian faith. I give my thanks to Patricia Young and Carolyn Edwards for their help and advice. (I also wish to thank Ron and Gordon Barrett for the custom built Library "bookshelf").

M.C.

February 2006

The Church Library has had donations of many wonderul books as of late, and still coming! Many thanks go to Margaret Salibi and the Barrett family. Several books are placed in the Library in memory of Erica Barrett.

There are many very good books for the young people in our church. Rarely do I see these books borrowed. Many "YP" labelled books are also very good reading for the "young at heart" in our church. Meditative prayer, devotions and Lenten reading books are available. Topical reading booklets from RBC Ministries are available for FREE, while some donated books will be for sale "by donation to the Church Library fund".

Please come and check out the books in the church library every second Sunday during Coffee Time. There will be a plastic bucket -- for church library book returns and book donations -- out on one of the main tables every Sunday. Some books need to be returned. If you have any overdue church library books around the house, please return them any Sunday for other to read. Thanks and good reading.
M.C.

November 2005

Thank you to several parishioners for donations of many books over the past few months. I will be working to have them ready for borrowing in the near future. There are several RBC Ministries Publication booklets that are available without cost or for a small donation to the Church Library. A selection of Christmas books will be out for borrowing now and throughout the "12 Days of Christmas". Check out the Church Library. Good reading.
M.C.

October 2005

On a more personal note, one of the ways that I have discovered that I can really learn more about Christ is to read a variety of books which explore different aspects of the Christian faith. If you are interested and have some time to read, there is a huge variety of inspirational books available at the local library and at local bookstores. The “Sign of the Fish” Christian bookstore at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue is an excellent resource for all of us in North Vancouver . St. Timothy's also has its own collection of books, so when they are on display, please take some time to investigate and maybe you will find something to read that will be inspirational for you.

Here are some recommended books, all of which are available at the North Vancouver District Library.

“What is so amazing about grace?” by Philip Yancey (in the Church Library)
When it comes to difficult issues, Yancey isn't afraid to ask hard questions and he doesn't give easy answers. Join him on a soul-searching pilgrimage into the meaning of grace. Combining poignant stories, personal examples, and biblical knowledge, his insights can challenge the mind and heart with a liberating look at the driving force of our faith.

“Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis (in the Church Library)
Lewis seeks in “Mere Christianity” to help us see religion with fresh eyes, as a radical faith whose adherents might be likened to an underground group gathering in a war zone, a place where evil seems to have the upper hand, to hear messages of hope from the other side. “Mere Christianity” has sold millions of copies worldwide. The book brings together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he sets out simply to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times”.

“Travelling light: releasing the burdens you were never intended to bear” by Max Lucado (Church Library wish list)
From the award-winning author Max Lucado comes Travelling Light , refreshing words wrapped around the biblical passages of the 23rd Psalm to reenergize weary spiritual travellers. In his inimitable, pastoral voice that both soothes and exhorts, Lucado gently unpacks the verses of the psalm while helping readers lay down the burdens of doubt, anxiety, perfectionism, and fear. "You can't enjoy a journey carrying so much stuff," Lucado writes. Lucado mixes personal transparency with his trademark humour, offering uncomplicated counsel. Change your focus. Make time for rest. Know you are not alone. Be humble. Trust God. It's only when we set down our "luggage" and let God carry it for us, says Lucado, that we are free to share grace, offer comfort, and help lift the load of others. As you read Lucado's words and work through the study questions, you'll find your own load feeling a little lighter.

“The Return of the Prodigal Son: a meditation on father, brothers and sons” by Henri J.M. Nouwen (Church Library wish list)
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming is a spiritual adventure story. A chance encounter with a poster depicting a detail of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son set in motion a chain of events that enabled Nouwen to redefine and claim his vocation late in his life. In this book, which interweaves elements of art history, memoir, and self-help, Nouwen brings the parable to life with empathic analyses of each character. Nouwen's absorption in the story (and the painting) is so complete that the father's challenge to love the son, and the son's challenge to receive that love, becomes Nouwen's own. And Nouwen's writing is so clear and his tone is so appealingly frank and humble that readers--no matter how far from home--will find hope for themselves in the prodigal peace Nouwen ultimately achieves.

-P.Y.

December 2004

Christmas is around the corner and the library has a few Christmas books for the young and young at heart. Please come and check them out to read by a cozy fireplace and lit up Christmas trees. For those who have completed the Alpha course, there are some books to help you GROW in Christ, including After Alpha - by Michael Green.

In the past, library books were loaned for a month. In order to make it easier for the librarian to keep track of books, books will be signed out for two weeks, with extension for another two weeks if needed. During our move from the Harvest Project to the Lynn Valley Rec. Centre, I was made aware that some books were left at the Harvest Project. I believe all were found and given back.

There are still a few books overdue from the summer months. If you have any of these, could you please return them any Sunday? There will be a new library book return box out near the coffee area for that purpose. I wish to thank all those who have donated new books to the library. Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and great holiday reading.

M.C. - Church Librarian

September 2004

Yes, we have a church library at St. Timothy's. Some of you may have noticed me bringing in a bucket and bag to Service every second Sunday. There are books for all ages to browse and borrow for up to one month at a time. I am also compiling a book list of the whole collection so that books may be ordered in advance. Out thanks go to those who have recently donated used and new books (the donors' name is recorded inside).

For adults:

Rick Warren's -- The Purpose Driven Church; and, The Purpose Driven Life

Wayne Cordeiro - Doing Church as a Team

Shelley Bate - Grounds to Believe (a Steeple Hill Fiction)

K.P. Johannan - Revolution in World Missions

For Youth:

Loren Cunningham - Is That Really You God?

Alice Gray - Stories for a Teen's Heart

Chicken Soup for - the Preteen Soul/ Teenage Soul on Love and Friendship

Greg Speck - Living for Jesus When the Party's Over

For Children:

Jan Karon's - Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny

Jesus Loves Me board book

Baby Jesus board book

There are many resources available for those who teach our young people at Sunday School, and for the parents of our youth. Two books just newly arrived in the Church Library are: Josh McDowell's - Right from Wrong: What you need to know to help youth make the right choices (This new study reveals a majority of churched youth can no longer determine right from wrong.) From the "Godprints Team" - Hearts, Brains and Growing Pains: Terrific Teaching that Changes You and Your Kids.

Come and "check out" the books at St. Timothy's Library. I will be glad to meet you.

M.C., Church Librarian